Venezuelans face long lines, confusion in first major vote since violent election

Venezuelans returned to voting booths Sunday for the first major election since July's controversial and deadly vote for a constituent assembly.

This time they're deciding on governorships of the country's 23 states. Currently government loyalists hold all but three governorships, but observers said there's a chance for the opposition to make gains.

"If the vote were to be completely free and fair, the (opposition) would likely win between 18 and 21 states," according to an analysis by the Eurasia Group, a political risk research and consulting firm.

Concerns that the Electoral Council's changes would sow confusion appeared to have come to fruition Sunday, with many voters unsure about where they were supposed to vote. Long, slow-moving lines greeted voters at polling stations.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Máduro called Sunday's vote "a success for Venezuela and the revolutionary democracy, for the socialist democracy."

UCJ, UNILORIN.